The Byzantine Daily Office for March 8, 2012 Our Venerable Father and Confessor Theophylact. Old Testament: Genesis 7:11-8:4 and Proverbs 10:1-22 According to the Gregorian Calendar 1
Contents Click on the link below to access each service Page Morning Prayer (On Rising) 3 First Hour (7:00 am) 13 Third Hour (9:00 am) 23 Sixth Hour (12:00 noon) 34 Ninth Hour (3:00 pm) 46 Evening Prayer (Before Retiring) 57 The following services of the Byzantine Daily Office are for one s own personal rule of prayer. If time is short, it is preferable to say only a few prayers with attention, rather than to attempt them all in haste and without concentration. To simplify the hours, you may adopt the tradition of praying the first Psalm of each hour on Mondays and Thursdays, the second Psalm on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the third Psalm on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Sources and Approvals Contents compiled from approved sources with Ecclesiastical Approbation Based on the Typicon of Archpriest David Petras, 2012 Common prayers of Morning and Evening Prayer, and the Hours from Let Us Pray to the Lord: Volume I, Eastern Christian Publications, 1996 Theotokion for each hour and the Prayer of the Hours from Royal Hours in Preparation for the Birth of Christ, Eparchy of Parma, 1991 Troparia from the Divine Liturgy promulgated by the Council of Hierarchs of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church sui juris of Pittsburgh, USA in January 2007 and used with permission. 2
Morning Prayer A priest begins: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and forever. Amen. All others begin: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to You, our God, glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious One. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 3
Morning Prayer Troparia To The Trinity Awakening from sleep I worship You, O blessed God, and offer the angelic hymn to You, O powerful Lord: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God! Through the intercession of your heavenly hosts, have mercy on me. Spirit: O Lord, You have lifted me up from my bed and from sleep, now enlighten my mind, open my heart and my lips that I may sing to You, Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God! Through the prayers of all your saints, have mercy on me. Now and ever, and forever. Amen. The Judge shall come suddenly, and the deeds of all shall be brought to light. In fear I cry out at the break of day: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God! Through the prayers of the Mother of God, have mercy on me. Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times) Prayer To The Trinity Rising from sleep, I give thanks to You, O Holy Trinity, because of your great goodness and endless patience. You did not become angry with me, a slothful and sinful being, nor did You destroy me because of my transgressions. But, as always, You have shown your love for mankind and have raised me up as I lay in despair so that I might recite the prayers of the morning and sing the praises of your power. Enlighten the eyes of my understanding so that I may meditate on your words, understand your commandments, and accomplish your will. Open my mouth so that I may sing to You in sincere praise, and that I may proclaim your most holy Name, Father, Son, and Holy 4
Morning Prayer Invitatory Come, let us adore the King, our God. Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God. Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord, Jesus Christ, the King and our God. Psalm 50 Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offense. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. My offenses truly I know them; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. That you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge, O see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived. Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom. O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear rejoicing and gladness that the bones you have crushed may thrill. From my sins turn away your face and blot out all my guilt. A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. 5
Morning Prayer Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervor sustain me; that I may teach transgressors your ways, and sinners may return to you. O rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise. For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse; my sacrifice, a contrite spirit, a humbled, contrite heart You will not spurn. In your goodness, show favor to Zion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, (burnt offerings wholly consumed), then you will be offered young bulls on your altar. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen. The Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the onlybegotten, born of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became man. He was also crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And He rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures. And He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there will be no end. 6
Morning Prayer And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is wor- shipped and glorified, Who spoke through the Prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I profess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead; and the life of the world to come. Amen. Select one of the following nine prayers for each day. The First Prayer O God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have done but little good in your sight. Deliver me from evil, and may your will be done in me so that I may open my lips without blame and praise your holy Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. The Second Prayer Awakening from sleep, I offer to You, O Savior, a hymn at the break of day. Bowing before You, I exclaim: Do not allow me to die in sin. Instead, O Lord, who were willingly crucified, have mercy on me. O Christ our God, raise me up, strengthen me in prayer and perseverance, and, after the night s sleep, grant me a day without sin and save me. Amen. The Third Prayer Awakening from sleep, I hasten to You, O Master and Lover of mankind. As I, through your mercy, begin to fulfill my duties to You, I beseech You: aid me every minute and in every deed. Save me from every earthly evil and from the snare of the evil one. Save me and lead me to your eternal kingdom. You are my Creator and the Giver of every blessing. In You I trust, and to You I give praise, now and ever, and forever. Amen. 7
Morning Prayer The Fourth Prayer O Lord, in your manifold goodness and great compassion, You have granted that I, your servant, pass the preceding hours of this night free from the attack of the evil one. O Master and Creator of all things, grant that by your true light, I may do your will with an enlightened heart, now and ever, and forever. Amen. The Fifth Prayer O Lord God Almighty, You receive from your heavenly powers the thrice-holy hymn. Receive from me, your undeserving servant, this nocturnal hymn. Grant that all the years of my life I may render glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy The Sixth Prayer O Lord Almighty, God of powers and of all flesh, You dwell on high but watch over the humble; You search the heart and the innermost being of humans and clearly perceive their secrets. O Eternal and ever-existent Light, in You there is no change nor even a shadow of change. O Immortal King, accept our prayers which at this present moment depend upon the multitude of your mercies, and which we offer to You from defiled lips. Forgive our transgressions, committed in word, deed, or thought, committed with knowledge or through thoughtlessness. Cleanse us from every kind of defilement of body and soul; and grant that we approach all the nights of this present life with a watchful heart and sound judgment, awaiting the glorious coming and day of revelation of your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ, who will come again with glory as judge of all, granting to everyone according to their works. Let us not fall and become slothful but rather, on guard and ready for action. Let us turn from our former ways and be ready to joyfully accompany Him into the divine inner cham- 8
Morning Prayer ber where the sound of festive voices never ceases, and where there is indescribable delight in those who behold the inexpressible goodness of your countenance. For You are the True Light that enlightens and sanctifies all things, and all creation praises You forever and ever. Amen. The Seventh Prayer We bless You, O Most High God and Lord of mercy, for you always do great and inscrutable things for us which are both glorious and overwhelming in their abundance. You provide us with sleep as a rest for our infirmities and as a relief for the burdens of our bodies tired by labor. We thank You that You did not destroy us in our transgres- sions. As usual, You loved as a Lover of mankind, and raised us up who were lying in despair so that we might praise your majesty. Therefore, we entreat your immeasurable goodness: enlighten our thoughts and eyes; raise up our minds from the deep sleep of sloth- fulness; open our mouths and fill them with praise, so that everywhere and without distraction, we may be able to glorify and profess You, O God, praised by people and things: the Eternal Father, together with your only-begotten Son, and your most Holy, Gracious and Lifecreating Spirit, now, and ever, and forever. Amen. The Eighth Prayer Attributed to Saint John Chrysostom, this prayer has twenty-four petitions, one for each hour of the day. 1. O Lord, do not deprive me of your heavenly riches. 2. O Lord, deliver me from eternal torments. 3. O Lord, if I have sinned by mind, thought, word, or deed forgive me. 4. O Lord, deliver me from every type of ignorance, apathy, and faint-heartedness. 9
Morning Prayer 5. O Lord, deliver me from every type of temptation. 6. O Lord, enlighten my heart, which sinful desires cloud. 7. O Lord, I, a human, have sinned. You, as a gracious God, see the weakness in my soul and have mercy on me. 8. O Lord, send your grace to me as a help, so that I may glorify your holy Name. 9. O Lord Jesus Christ, inscribe me in the book of life and grant to me a good end. 10. O Lord, my God, even though I have done nothing good before You, grant that I may lay down a worthy beginning according to your goodness. 11. O Lord, sprinkle in my heart the dew of your grace. 12. O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, your sinful servant, in your kingdom. Amen. 13. O Lord, receive me in repentance. 14. O Lord, do not forsake me. 15. O Lord, do not lead me into misfortune. 16. O Lord, give me good thoughts. 17. O Lord, give me tears and a remembrance of death. 18. O Lord, give me the thought of confessing my sins. 19. O Lord, give me humility, purity, and obedience. 20. O Lord, give me suffering, generosity, and meekness. 21. O Lord, implant in my heart the root of all good and the fear of You. 22. O Lord, enable me to love You with my whole heart and mind, and to do your will in all things. 23. O Lord, protect me from unjust people, demons, sufferings, and from every other evil. 24. O Lord, you are known in your work and in your will; let your will be in me, a sinner, for You are blessed forever. Amen. 10
Morning Prayer The Ninth Prayer O my most compassionate, and most merciful God, Lord Jesus Christ, because of your great love You descended and became incarnate so that You might save all. O Savior, I beseech You, save me by your grace. If you save me by deeds this is nothing but grace and a gift; it is nothing but a greater debt. You are mighty in generosity and indescribable in mercy. O Christ, You have said Whoever believes in me shall have life and shall never die. Therefore, if faith in You saves those who are in despair, then save me because of my faith in You, for You are my God and my Creator. O my God, let my faith suffice in place of my deeds, for You will find that my deeds do not justify me at all. Let my faith enable me to be a participant in your eternal glory. Do not permit Satan to overpower me and boast that he has snatched me from your hand and protection, O Word. Save me, O Christ my Savior, whether I wish it or not; hasten to me or I perish quickly. You are my God from the time I was conceived. Now, O Lord, enable me to love You just as I once loved sin itself. May I again serve You diligently and without slothful- ness, just as I once served Satan. Most of all, I will serve You, my Lord and my God, Jesus Christ, throughout all the days of my life, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel O holy Angel of Christ, in homage I come to you, my holy guardian. Since my baptism, you have been assigned to me in order to protect my soul and body. I beseech your powerful intercession. I have often offended you by my indolence and bad habits. You are without stain in your glory, and I have often driven you away by my sins. Most holy guardian, I pray and beseech you to be merciful to me, your sinful and unworthy servant. Be my defender, and also aid me against my enemies. Through your intercession make me worthy to be 11
a partaker of the kingdom of God with all the saints, forever. Amen. Prayer to the Mother of God O Mother of God, my most holy Lady! By your holy and all-powerful prayers drive away from me despair, forgetfulness, misunderstanding, and carelessness. By your mighty prayers cleanse my clouded mind and bruised heart of all this. Help me quench the fire of evil passions. Free me from memories of evils long gone by. For you are blessed by all peoples and your glorious name is praised, now and ever, and forever. Amen. If you will follow Morning Prayer directly with the First Hour, you can skip from here to Come let us adore... on page 14. It is truly proper to glorify you, O Theotokos, the ever-blessed, immaculate, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim; who, a virgin, gave birth to God the Word, you, truly the Theotokos, we magnify. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Priest: May Christ our true God have mercy on us and save us, through the prayers of His most pure Mother, through the prayers of our venerable and God-bearing fathers, and through the prayers of all the Saints, for He is gracious and loves mankind. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Morning Prayer 12
The First Hour A priest begins: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and forever. Amen. All others begin: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to You, our God, glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious One. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 13
First Hour Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times). Come, let us adore the King, our God. Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God. Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord Jesus Christ, the King and our God. Psalm 5 To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my groaning. Attend to the sound of my cries, my King and my God. It is you whom I invoke, O Lord. In the morning you hear me; in the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting. You are no God who loves evil; no sinner is your guest. The boastful shall not stand their ground before your face. You hate all who do evil: You destroy all who lie. The deceitful and bloodthirsty man the Lord detests. But I through the greatness of your love have access to your house I bow down before your holy temple, filled with awe. Lead me, Lord, in your justice, because of those who lie in wait; make clear your way before me. No truth can be found in their mouths, their heart is all mischief, 14
First Hour their throat a wide-open grave, all honey their speech. Declare them guilty, O God. Let them fail in their designs. Drive them out for their many offenses; for they have defied you. All those you protect shall be glad and ring out their joy. You shelter them; in you they rejoice, those who love your name. It is you who bless the just man, Lord: You surround him with favour as with a shield. Psalm 89 O Lord, you have been our refuge from one generation to the next. Before the mountains were born or the earth or the world brought forth, You are God, without beginning or end. You turn men back into dust and say: Go back, sons of men. To your eyes a thousand years are like yesterday, come and gone, no more than a watch in the night. You sweep men away like a dream, like grass which springs up in the morning. In the morning it springs up and flowers: by evening it withers and fades. So we are destroyed in your anger struck with terror in your fury. Our guilt lies open before you; our secrets in the light of your face. 15
First Hour All our days pass away in your anger. Our life is over like a sigh. Our span is seventy years or eighty for those who are strong. And most of these are emptiness and pain. They pass swiftly and we are gone. Who understands the power of your anger and fears the strength of your fury? Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart. Lord, relent! Is your anger for ever? Show pity to your servants. In the morning fill us with your love; we shall exalt and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth your work to your servants; let your glory shine on their children. Let the favour of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands. Give success to the work of our hands. Psalm 100 My song is of mercy and justice; I sing to you, O Lord. I will walk in the way of perfection. O when, Lord, will you come? I will walk with blameless heart within my house; I will not set before my eyes whatever is base. I will hate the ways of the crooked; they shall not be my friends. 16
First Hour The false-hearted must keep far away; the wicked I disown. The man who slanders his neighbor in secret I will bring to silence. The man of proud looks and haughty heart I will never endure. I look to the faithful in the land that they may dwell with me. He who walks in the way of perfection shall be my friend. No man who practices deceit shall live within my house. No man who utters lies shall stand before my eyes. Morning by morning I will silence all the wicked in the land, uprooting from the Lord s city all who do evil. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (Three times) Lord, have mercy. (Three times.) Troparion of the First Hour (T6) In the morning You hear me, O my King and my God. v. To my words give ear, O Lord, give heed to my groaning. In the morning You hear me, O my King and my God. v. It is You whom I invoke, O Lord. In the morning You hear me, O my King and my God. Spirit, Now and ever, and forever. Amen. 17
First Hour Theotokion of the First Hour (T6) What shall we call you, O Full of Grace? A Heaven; for you gave rise to the Sun of Justice? A Paradise; for you have brought forth the Flower of incorruption? A Virgin; for you have remained undefiled? A pure Mother, holding in her holy arms the Son who is the God of all? Intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls. Let my steps be guided by your promise; let no evil rule over me. Redeem me from man s oppression and I will keep your precepts. (twice) Let your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. (twice) My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the day long. (three times) Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 18
First Hour Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Kontakia for the Great Fast: First Hour (T4) Come to us in haste, O Christ our God, before we become slaves of those who blaspheme You and threaten our lives. With your Cross cut down those who make war against us; let them know how strong is the faith of those who profess the truth. Grant this through the prayers of the Mother of God, for You alone are the Lover of Mankind. Spirit, O Teacher of wisdom, O Bestower of understanding, O Instructor of the ignorant and Protector of the poor, strengthen and teach my heart, O Master. O Word of the Father give me the word, and do not prevent my mouth from calling out to You: I have fallen, have mercy on me, O merciful One. Now and ever, and forever. Amen. Let us with our hearts and lips unceasingly extol the most glorious Mother of God, holier than the holy angels, and proclaim that she is truly the Theotokos, for she has truly given brith to God in the flesh and never ceases to intercede for our souls. Lord, have mercy. (Forty times). 19
First Hour O good God, in all times and in all places You are worshipped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and most-merciful. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come. At this very hour, O Lord, receive our supplications and direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set right our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Theotokos, we magnify. Give the blessing, Father, in the Name of the Lord. A priest: May God be merciful to us and bless us; may He cause His countenance to shine upon us and have mercy on us. Amen. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Prayer of Saint Ephrem O Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling, of idle chatter and love of power. Prostration. Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity and humility, of patience and love. Prostration. 20
First Hour Yes, O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge others, for You are blessed, forever and ever. Amen. Prostration. Then twelve small bows: repeat the following three lines four times, making the sign of the Cross and bowing on each line: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. And again, this prayer a final time: O Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling, of idle chatter and love of power. Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity and humility, of patience and love. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge others, for You are blessed, forever and ever. Amen. And then one final prostration. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 21
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Twelve times. O Christ the True Light, Who enlightens and sanctifies everyone who comes into the world, mark us with the light of Your countenance so that we may see the unapproachable light. Let our life be straight along the path of Your commandments, through the prayers of Your most pure Mother and of all Your saints. Amen. If you will follow the First Hour directly with the Third Hour, you can skip from here to Come let us adore... on page 22. A Priest Only: Glory to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory to You. Lord, have mercy. (Three times). Priest: May Christ our true God have mercy on us and save us, through the prayers of His most pure Mother, of our venerable and God-bearing fathers, and of all the saints, for He is gracious and loves mankind. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. First Hour 22
The Third Hour A priest begins: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and forever. Amen. All others begin: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to You, our God, glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious One. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 23
Third Hour Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times). Come, let us adore the King, our God. Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God. Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord Jesus Christ, the King and our God. Psalm 16 Lord, hear a cause that is just, pay heed to my cry. Turn your ear to my prayer: no deceit is on my lips. From You may my judgment come forth. Your eyes discern the truth. You search my heart, you visit me by night. You test me and you find in me no wrong. My words are not sinful as are men s words. I kept from violence because of your word, I kept my feet firmly in your paths; there was no faltering in my steps. I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God. Turn your ear to me; hear my words. Display your great love, you whose right hands saves your friends from those who rebel against them. Guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings from the violent attack of the wicked. My foes encircle me with deadly intent. Their hearts tight shut, their mouths speak proudly. They advance against me, and now they surround me. Their eyes are watching to strike me to the ground as though they were lions ready to claw 24
Third Hour or like some lion crouched in hiding. Lord, arise, confront them, strike them down! Let your sword rescue my soul from the wicked; let your hand, O Lord, rescue me from men, from men whose reward is in this present life. You give them their fill of your treasures; they rejoice in abundance of offspring and leave their wealth to their children. As for me, in my justice I shall see your face and be filled, when I awake, with the sight of your glory. Psalm 24 To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. I trust you, let me not be disappointed, do not let my enemies triumph. Those who hope in you shall not be disappointed, but only those who wantonly break faith. Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my Saviour. In you I hope all day long because of your goodness, O Lord. Remember your mercy, Lord, and the love you have shown from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth. In your love remember me. The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path; He teaches his way to the poor. His ways are faithfulness and love for those who keep his covenant and will. 25
Third Hour Lord, for the sake of your name forgive my guilt; for it is great. If anyone fears the Lord He will show him the path he should choose. His soul shall live in happiness and his children shall possess the land. The Lord s friendship is for those who revere him; to them he reveals his covenant. My eyes are always on the Lord; for he rescues my feet from the snare. Turn to me and have mercy for I am lonely and poor. Relieve the anguish of my heart and set me free from my distress. See my affliction and my toil and take all my sins away. See how many are my foes; how violent their hatred for me. Preserve my life and rescue me. Do not disappoint me, you are my refuge. May innocence and uprightness protect me: for my hope is in you, O Lord. Redeem Israel, O God, from all its distress. Psalm 50 Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. My offences truly I know them; my sin is always before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done. 26
Third Hour That you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge O see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived. Indeed you love truth in the heart; then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom O purify me, then I shall be clean; O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may thrill. From my sins turn away your face and blot out all my guilt. A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit. Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways and sinners may return to you. O rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue shall ring out your goodness. O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise. For in sacrifice you take no delight, burnt offering from me your would refuse, my sacrifice, a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. In your goodness, show favour to Zion: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice, (burnt offerings wholly consumed), then you will be offered young bulls on your altar. 27
Third Hour Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (Three times) Lord, have mercy. (Three times.) Troparion of the Third Hour (T6) At the third hour, O Lord, You sent your Holy Spirit to your apostles. Do not take Him from us, O Gracious One, but rather renew Him within us as we pray to You. v: A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. At the third hour, O Lord, You sent your Holy Spirit to your apostles. Do not take Him from us, O Gracious One, but rather renew Him within us as we pray to You. v: Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit. At the third hour, O Lord, You sent your Holy Spirit to your apostles. Do not take Him from us, O Gracious One, but rather renew Him within us as we pray to You. Spirit, Now and ever, and forever. Amen. Theotokion of the Third Hour (T6) O Mother of God, you are the True Vine who gave birth to the Fruit of Life: wherefore, we implore you, O Lady, to intercede together with the apostles and all the saints that we may obtain mercy for our souls. 28
Blessed be the Lord God! May the Lord be blessed day after day. He bears our burdens, God our Saviour. This God of ours is a God who saves. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Third Hour Kontakia for the Great Fast: Third Hour (T8) Blessed are You, O Christ our God. You filled the fishermen with wisdom, sending down upon them the Holy Spirit. Through them You have caught the whole world in your net. O Lover of mankind, glory be to You. Spirit. 29
Third Hour When the Most High descended and confused tongues, He scattered the people; but when He distributed the tongues of fire, He called all to unity. Therefore, with one voice, let us praise the most Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and forever. Amen. O most pure Mother of God, you are a hope, a stronghold, and a refuge for Christians; you are an unconquerable wall and a peaceful haven for the weary. Through your unceasing intercession you are saving the world; and we ask you to also remember us, O Virgin worthy of all praise. Lord, have mercy. (Forty times). O Christ our God, in all times and in all places You are worshipped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and most-merciful. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come. At this very hour, O Lord, receive our supplications and direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set right our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Theotokos, we magnify. Give the blessing, Father, in the Name of the Lord. 30
Third Hour A priest: May God be merciful to us and bless us; may He cause His countenance to shine upon us and have mercy on us. Amen. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Prayer of Saint Ephrem O Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling, of idle chatter and love of power. Prostration. Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity and humility, of patience and love. Prostration. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge others, for You are blessed, forever and ever. Amen. Prostration. Then twelve small bows: repeat the following three lines four times, making the sign of the Cross and bowing on each line: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. And again, this prayer a final time: O Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling, of idle chatter and love of power. Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity and humility, of patience and love. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge others, for You are blessed, forever and ever. Amen. And then one final prostration. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) 31
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Third Hour Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times) Prayer to the Holy Trinity of Saint Madarius O God our Master, Almighty Father; Only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit, One God and One Might, have mercy on me a sinner and save me, Your unworthy servant, according to the ways of Your wisdom. For You are blessed forever and ever. Amen. If you will follow the Third Hour directly with the Sixth Hour, you can skip from here to Come let us adore... on page 35. A Priest Only: Glory to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory to You. 32
Third Hour Lord, have mercy. (Three times). Priest: May Christ our true God have mercy on us and save us, through the prayers of His most pure Mother, of our venerable and God-bearing fathers, and of all the saints, for He is gracious and loves mankind. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 33
The Sixth Hour A priest begins: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and forever. Amen. All others begin: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to You, our God, glory to You! Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious One. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 34
Sixth Hour Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times). Come, let us adore the King, our God. Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God. Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord Jesus Christ, the King and our God. Psalm 53 O God, save me by your name; by your power uphold my cause. O God, hear my prayer; listen to the words of my mouth. For proud men have risen against me, ruthless men seek my life. They have no regard for God. But I have God for my help. The Lord upholds my life. Let the evil recoil upon my foes; You who are faithful destroy them. I will sacrifice to you with willing heart and praise your name for it is good; for you have rescued me from all distress and my eyes have seen the downfall of my foes. Psalm 54 O God, listen to my prayer, do not hide from my pleading, attend to me and reply; with my cares I cannot rest. I tremble at the shouts of the foe, at the cries of the wicked; 35
Sixth Hour for they bring down evil upon me. They assail me with fury. My heart is stricken within me, death s terror is on me, trembling and fear fall upon me and horror overwhelms me. O that I had wings like a dove to fly away and be at rest. So I would escape far away and take refuge in the desert. I would hasten to find a shelter from the raging wind, from the destructive storm, O Lord, and from their plotting tongues. For I can see nothing but violence and strife in the city. Night and day they patrol High on the city walls. It is full of wickedness and evil; it is full of sin. Its streets are never free from tyranny and deceit. If this had been done by an enemy I could bear his taunts. If a rival had risen against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, my own companion, my intimate friend! (How close was the friendship between us) We walked together in harmony in the house of God. May death fall suddenly upon them! Let them go to the grave: for wickedness dwells in their homes and deep in their hearts. 36
Sixth Hour As for me, I will cry to God and the Lord will save me. Evening, morning, and at noon I will cry and lament. He will deliver my soul in peace in the attack against me: for those who fight me are many, but he hears my voice. God will hear and will humble them, the eternal judge: for they will not amend their ways. They have no fear of God. The traitor has turned against his friends; he has broken his word. His speech is softer than butter, but war is in his heart. His words are smoother than oil, but they are naked swords. Entrust your cares to the Lord and he will support you. He will never allow the just man to stumble. But you, O God, will bring them down to the pit of death. Deceitful and bloodthirsty men shall not live half their days. O Lord, I will trust in you. Psalm 90 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High and abides in the shade of the Almighty says to the Lord: My refuge, my stronghold, my God in whom I trust! 37
Sixth Hour It is he who will free you from the snare of the fowler who seeks to destroy you; He will conceal you with his pinions and under his wings you will find refuge. You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that prowls in the darkness nor the scourge that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right, you, it will never approach; His faithfulness is buckler and shield. Your eyes have only to look to see how the wicked are repaid, you who have said: Lord, my refuge! and have made the Most High your dwelling. Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell. For you has he commanded his angels, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you upon their hands lest you strike your foot against a stone. On the lion and the viper you will tread and trample the young lion and the dragon. Since he clings to me in love, I will free him; protect him for he knows my name. When he calls I shall answer: I am with you. I will save him from distress and give him glory. With length of days I will content him; I shall let him see my saving power. Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (Three times). Lord, have mercy. (Three times). 38
Sixth Hour Troparion of the Sixth Hour (T2) O Lord, on the sixth day and at the sixth hour You nailed to the Cross the sin which Adam presumed to commit in Paradise. Now also tear up the list of our iniquities and save us, O Christ our God. v: O God, listen to my prayer, do not hide from my pleading. O Lord, on the sixth day and at the sixth hour You nailed to the Cross the sin which Adam presumed to commit in Paradise. Now also tear up the list of our iniquities and save us, O Christ our God. v: As for me, I will cry to God, and the Lord will save me. O Lord, on the sixth day and at the sixth hour You nailed to the Cross the sin which Adam presumed to commit in Paradise. Now also tear up the list of our iniquities and save us, O Christ our God. Spirit, Now and ever, and forever. Amen. Theotokion of the Sixth Hour (T2) Since we have no one in whom to confide because of our many sins, O Virgin Mother of God, intercede for us with the One who was born of you, for a mother s prayer is a powerful means for obtaining the Master favor. You are most worthy of veneration, so do not turn away from the pleading of us sinners; for the One who willed to suffer in the flesh for our sake is full of mercy. And His power is sufficient to save us. Let your bounties, O Lord, come upon us in haste, for our need has become great indeed. Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name. Save us, O Master, and forgive our sins for the sake of your name. 39
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Sixth Hour Troparion of the Prophecy (T7) If You count our sins, O Lord and Lover of Mankind, what is our hope of salvation? But, send your help from heaven upon your people, O Lord of goodness. Prokeimenon I (T5) O God, save me by your name; by your power, uphold my cause. v. O God, hear my prayer; listen to the words of my mouth. 40
Sixth Hour Reading: Isaiah 11:10-12:2 Prokeimenon II (T7) O God, listen to my prayer; do not hide from my pleading. v. Attend to me and reply. Kontakia for the Great Fast: Sixth Hour (T2) In the middle of the earth You brought about our salvation; upon the Cross You stretched out Your most pure hands to gather all the nations who sing to You: O Lord, glory be to You. Spirit, We bow before your sacred image, O gracious Lord, and beg forgiveness for our offenses, O Christ our God; for You, of your own will, deigned to ascend the Cross in your human nature to deliver from the bondage of the enemy those whom You have created. Therefore, we gratefully cry out to You: by your coming to save the world, O Savior, You have filled all with joy. Now and ever, and forever. Amen. We praise you, O Mother of God, more glorious than all the others; Death was put to death, and Hades was crushed by the Cross of your Son; He raised us from death and granted us eternal life. Paradise is again opened for us to enjoy as before. Therefore, in thanksgiving we glorify the power and great mercy of Christ our God. 41
Sixth Hour Lord, have mercy. (Forty times). O good God, in all times and in all places You are worshipped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and most-merciful. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come. At this very hour, O Lord, receive our supplications and direct our lives in the path of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set right our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Theotokos, we magnify. Give the blessing, Father, in the Name of the Lord. A priest: May God be merciful to us and bless us; may He cause His countenance to shine upon us and have mercy on us. Amen. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Prayer of Saint Ephrem O Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling, of idle chatter and love of power. Prostration. Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity and humility, of patience and love. Prostration. 42
Sixth Hour Yes, O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge others, for You are blessed, forever and ever. Amen. Prostration. Then twelve small bows: repeat the following three lines four times, making the sign of the Cross and bowing on each line: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. And again, this prayer a final time: O Lord and Master of my life, spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling, of idle chatter and love of power. Instead, grant to me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity and humility, of patience and love. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge others, for You are blessed, forever and ever. Amen. And then one final prostration. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times) Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for your name s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times) Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 43
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. Sixth Hour Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times) Prayer to God the Father by Saint Basil the Great O God, Lord of Hosts and Creator of all, through Your compassion beyond our understanding, You sent down Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity. Through His precious cross He tore up the deceit of our sins and triumphed over the powers and masters of darkness. Master, Lover of humanity, accept from us sinners these prayers of thanksgiving and petition, and preserve us from any deadly fall in the darkness and against every visible and invisible enemy who may seek our harm. Pierce our bodies with fear of You, and let not our souls fall into evil words or thoughts, but, instead, wound them with love for You so that, looking upon You at all times, and guided by Your light, we may see the unapproachable eternal light. May we always give You praise and thanksgiving eternal Father, together with Your only-begotten Son and Your all-holy, good and life-creating If you will follow the Sixth Hour directly with the Ninth Hour, you can skip from here to Come let us adore... on page 47. A Priest Only: Glory to You, O Christ our God, our hope, glory to You. 44
Sixth Hour Lord, have mercy. (Three times). Priest: May Christ our true God have mercy on us and save us, through the prayers of His most pure Mother, of our venerable and God-bearing fathers, and of all the saints, for He is gracious and loves mankind. Others: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 45